Stokes set for NZ as Ashes loom

ENGLAND bad boy Ben Stokes could play for New Zealand provincial side Canterbury on Sunday before an Ashes call-up.

Stokes is due to arrive in New Zealand tomorrow, where he is expected to visit family in Christchurch, and could take the field in NZ domestic cricket.

The star all-rounder is under police investigation for an alleged assault outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

There are conflicting reports out of England on whether Stokes will be cleared.

There was a huge push from England to get Stokes in the team for the third Ashes Test in Perth on December 14-18.

That would depend on whether police lay charges, but there is strong speculation out of England that Stokes could return to cricket this weekend.

Canterbury coach Gary Stead denied that discussions had taken place with Stokes.

However, he didn’t shut the door on the prospect of a deal in which the Christchurch-born Stokes could be drafted into the Canterbury side for a 50-over match on Sunday.

“If he comes here and he wants to talk to us around it ... then we’d certainly consider it,” Stead said.